1. Job Application What happens: Candidates submit their resumes, cover letters, and sometimes portfolios or assessments. Goal: The employer screens for basic qualifications and fit. 2. Initial Screening Format: Phone or video call (15–30 minutes). Who: HR or recruiter. Purpose: Confirm interest, review resume, check basic qualifications, and evaluate communication skills. 3. First-Round Interview Format: Phone, video, or in-person. Who: Hiring manager or team members. Focus: More in-depth discussion about your experience, skills, and alignment with the role. 4. Assessments / Technical Test (if applicable) Used in: Tech, finance, marketing, and design roles. Examples: Coding challenges, case studies, personality tests, writing samples. Goal: Objectively assess your skills. 5. Final Interviews / Panel Interviews Format: In-person or extended video interviews. Who: Several team members or departments. Includes: Behavioral questions (e.g., STAR method), situational challenges, values alignment.